Safety net: Maharashtra secretariat gets network of 420 CCTV cameras
After a suicide and two attempted suicides at the Mantralaya in recent months, Maharashtra Government is installing a CCTV network of 420 cameras at the state administration headquarters, located in South Mumbai. A state-of-the art control and command room to monitor the cameras is also being built on the ground floor. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will inaugurate the Rs. 12cr project next month.
Various types of cameras installed in all corners
"The (CCTV) network has various types of cameras, including pan-tilt-zoom cameras, fitted at prime locations at all corners of the three-building complex," an official said. The network is to be integrated with Mumbai Police's surveillance system. An officer from the IT department pointed out that though suicides may not be averted completely, at least any "suspicious movements or unwarranted gatherings" can now be monitored.
Trigger point: Two suicides rocked the authorities
In February, 83-year old farmer Dharma Patil consumed poison outside the building. He died in JJ hospital later. After two weeks, a 45-year-old man, Harshal Raote, who was convicted of killing his sister, committed suicide from the fifth floor of the building. He was on parole. The incident shook up the authorities who swung into action and put up nylon nets around the building.
Post safety net installation, opposition asked 'Mantralaya or Circus premises?'
After the nets were installed, Dhananjay Munde, Opposition leader in the Legislative Council, had criticized the Fadnavis-led government. "Is this Circus premises? Government should take preventive measures to eradicate root-cause of suicide attempts," he had tweeted. Taking a note of the security lapse, the CM demanded a complete overhaul of the building. The decision to bring the whole building under surveillance was taken then.
After 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Mantralaya got 64 CCTV cameras
This isn't the first time CCTV cameras are being installed at the secretariat after a security threat. Earlier, after the 26/11 attacks, 64 CCTV cameras were set up on the gates, corridors and surrounding area of the Mantralaya. Munde's question had a point. Had the terrorists attacked Mantralaya then, what would the government have done? Enforcing security after an incident nullifies its sole purpose.
Also in plan: Sensor-enabled intrusion detection fencing for the building
The Mantralaya sees a huge number of visitors on a daily basis, with the number shooting up when weekly cabinet meetings are held. To enhance security, the home department is also mulling a sensor-enabled intrusion detection fencing for the building. Bids are currently being invited.
